Emirates spells out procedures for Thai travel

Emirates has announced that its services to and from Bangkok, Thailand continue to operate as normal, but asks passengers to allow extra journey time in getting to and from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport because traffic congestion is expected. 
 

Emirates counter area at Changi Airport in Singapore.

"Please visit the emirates.com website to check the status of your flight before departing for the airport," the airline said in an operational update on its website.
 
EK passengers and Skywards members who have tickets issued on or before 22 May 2014 to travel to and from Bangkok (BKK) or Phuket (HKT) and wish to re-book; request a re-issue; or cancel their tickets will have associated charges waived if they booked to travel between 22 and 29 May 2014, inclusive, said the airline.

The following applies for ticket changes:

Re-booking shall be made onto an available Emirates flight to the same destination for travel on/before 10th June 2014 and in the same booking class. This will be at no additional cost to the passenger and if required, the validity of the ticket may be extended.
 
Re-booking shall also be permitted for the return journey within a 10 day period after the original flight date in the same booking class and at no additional cost to the passenger provided the maximum stay requirement of the fare used is maintained. If required, the validity of the ticket may be extended.
 
However, only one free of charge change is permitted per ticket, and re-routing onto other airlines is not permitted.

The following options are available to passengers who wish to cancel their trips:
 
Fully unused tickets – A full refund may be offered.
Partially used tickets – Refund of the residual amount after deduction of the applicable one-way fare for the utilised portion. Alternatively the residual amount may be converted into an eMD* for future travel on Emirates, valid for one year from the date of issue.

Skywards Reward tickets - Skywards members who wish to refund their tickets (for travel booked between 22 May and 29 May 2014 inclusive) may do so without any cancellation charges. Expired Miles will be reinstated in the member's account.

Skywards reward tickets which are unutilised or partially utilised can be re-booked to the same destination in line with commercial ticket policy at no additional cost to the member. Service fees and difference in miles will be waived off.

The options outlined above are; however, not available to passengers travelling on tickets issued as a part of an inclusive tour by a tour operator or travel agent. Such passengers should be requested to contact their respective tour operator or travel agent for reissue or cancellation.
 
*eMD, or Electronic Miscellaneous Document, can be used to purchase additional travel or services from Emirates or can be exchanged for a refund at any Emirates office, but are only valid for a year from the date of issue and must be used or refunded within that period. According to the current statement, the eMDs issued may be used for future travel on Emirates valid for one year from date of issue.

Etihad Airways issues statement on military coup in Thailand

Etihad Airways has advised passengers booked on its EY407 flight from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi to present their passports and tickets if requested by the military on the way to Suvarnabhumi Airport to catch this flight during curfew hours, which run from 10pm to 5am local time. "Guests are advised to allow extra time to reach the airport," the statement reads.

As all public transportation is suspended from 9pm local time and taxi availability may be limited, Etihad further advised hotel guests to consider airport limousine services through their hotels.

The airline continues to maintain its daily schedule to and from Bangkok and Phuket, but will continue to monitor the situation closely. The EY407 flight is scheduled to leave Bangkok at 2.55am.

Etihad is allowing passengers to change or cancel their reservations to and from Thailand (Bangkok or Phuket) under the following conditions:

Changes – For tickets issued on or before 21^st May 2014, one free of charge move to another date of travel on/before 15^th June, 2014 in the original class of booking. If the original booking class is not available, then the next higher available class can be booked and the additional fare difference paid. No-show and change fees are waived for this one instance only, any subsequent changes will be subject to normal reissue fees.

Cancellations/Refunds - Cancellation fees/conditions are waived on tickets issued on or before 21^st May, 2014 with travel before 5 June, 2014. All refunds must be processed by 30 June, 2014. Refunds of partially utilised tickets will be calculated using the pro-rate mileage value of unutilised sector(s).   

Guests are advised to check the airline's website www.etihad.com, or contact the Etihad Airways’ Contact Centre on +971 2 599 00 00 (UAE) or 001 800 441 9283 (Thailand) for any latest updates.